U.S. patent application number 11/243286 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-09 for voice communication device.
Invention is credited to Peter V. Boesen.
Application Number | 20060029246 11/243286 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23196726 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060029246 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Boesen; Peter V. |
February 9, 2006 |
Voice communication device
Abstract
A voice sound transmitting unit having an earpiece that is
adapted for insertion into the external auditory canal of a user,
the earpiece having both a bone conduction sensor and an air
conduction sensor. The bone conduction sensor is adapted to contact
a portion of the external auditory canal to convert bone vibrations
of voice sound information into electrical signals. The air
conduction sensor resides within the auditory canal and converts
air vibrations of the voice sound information into electrical
signals. In its preferred form, a speech processor samples output
from the bone conduction sensor and the air conduction sensor to
filter noise and select the a pure voice sound signal for
transmission. The transmission of the voice sound signal may be
through a wireless linkage and may also be equipped with a speaker
and receiver to enable two-way communication.
Inventors: |
Boesen; Peter V.; (Des
Moines, IA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCKEE, VOORHEES & SEASE, P.L.C.
801 GRAND AVENUE
SUITE 3200
DES MOINES
IA
50309-2721
US
|
Family ID: |
23196726 |
Appl. No.: |
11/243286 |
Filed: |
October 4, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10134239 |
Apr 29, 2002 |
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11243286 |
Oct 4, 2005 |
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09587743 |
Jun 5, 2000 |
6408081 |
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10134239 |
Apr 29, 2002 |
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09309107 |
May 10, 1999 |
6094492 |
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09587743 |
Jun 5, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
381/326 ;
181/135; 381/151 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04R 1/1016 20130101;
H04R 2420/07 20130101; H04R 2201/107 20130101; H04M 1/0256
20130101; H04R 2460/13 20130101; H04R 1/1041 20130101; H04M 1/6066
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
381/326 ;
381/151; 181/135 |
International
Class: |
H04R 25/00 20060101
H04R025/00 |
Claims
1. A voice sound transmitting unit having the advantage of
obtaining a pure voice sound signal of a user, the unit comprising:
an earpiece adapted to be inserted into the external auditory canal
of a user and having a bone conduction sensor and an air conduction
sensor, the bone conduction sensor being adapted to contact a
portion of the external auditory canal to convert bone vibrations
of voice sound information to electrical signals and the air
conduction sensor being adapted to convert air vibrations of the
voice sound information in the external auditory canal to
electrical signals; a speech processor operatively connected with
the earpiece, the speech processor being adapted to receive the
electrical signals from the bone conduction sensor and the air
conduction sensor and produce a voice sound signal; a transmitter
operatively connected with the speech processor and adapted to
receive the voice sound signal for transmission; and wherein the
earpiece is sized and shaped so as not to occlude the external
auditory canal of a user.
2. The voice sound transmitting unit of claim 1 wherein the speech
processor obtains a first sample of the electrical signals from the
bone conduction sensor and a second sample of the electrical
signals from the air conduction sensor and compares the first and
second samples to capture the voice sound information of the user
and filter noise.
3. (canceled)
4. The voice sound transmitting unit of claim 1 wherein the
transmitter includes a multidirectional antenna.
5. The voice sound transmitting unit of claim 1 further comprising
a speaker and a receiver, the speaker being adapted to reside
within the external auditory canal and is operatively connected the
receiver.
6. The voice sound transmitting unit of claim 1 further comprising
a casing having an ear attachment portion contoured to fit over the
upper ear lobe of the user and a fitting portion connecting the ear
attachment portion with the bone conduction sensor and the air
vibration sensor.
7. The voice sound transmitting unit of claim 6 wherein the casing
is adapted to retain the bone conduction sensor in contact with a
portion of the upper wall of the external auditory canal.
8. A device for entering voice sound information into a digital
record stored on a computer, the device comprising: a voice sound
transmitting unit having an earpiece adapted to be inserted into
the external auditory canal of a user to convert bone conductive
voice vibrations of voice sound information of the user into
electrical signals, and a radio frequency transmitter for
transmitting the electrical signals of the voice sound information;
a radio frequency receiver operatively connected to the computer
and adapted to receive the voice sound information from the
transmitter of the voice sound transmitting unit; a voice
recognition software engine stored on the computer and adapted to
receive and process the voice sound information to convert the
voice sound information into alphanumeric strings; a computer
program for populating the digital record with the alphanumeric
strings; and wherein the earpiece is sized and shaped so as not to
occlude the external auditory canal of a user.
9. The device of claim 8 wherein the earpiece includes a bone
conduction sensor and an air conduction sensor, the bone conduction
sensor being adapted to contact a portion of the external auditory
canal to convert bone vibrations of voice sound information to
electrical signals and the air conduction sensor being adapted to
convert air vibrations of the voice sound information in the
external auditory canal to electrical signals.
10. The device of claim 9 wherein the voice sound transmitting unit
includes a speech processor operatively connected with the
earpiece, the speech processor being adapted to receive the
electrical signals from the bone conduction sensor and the air
conduction sensor and produce a voice sound signal.
11. The device of claim 10 wherein the speech processor obtains a
first sample of the electrical signals from the bone conduction
sensor and a second sample of the electrical signals from the air
conduction sensor and compares the first and second samples to
capture the voice sound information of the user and filter
noise.
12. The device of claim 10 wherein the voice sound transmitting
unit further comprising a speaker and a receiver, the speaker
operatively connected to the transmitter and being adapted to
reside within the external auditory canal of the user.
13. A device for entering voice sound information into a digital
record stored on a computer network, the device comprising: a voice
sound transmitting unit having an earpiece adapted to be inserted
into the external auditory canal of a user to convert bone
conductive voice vibrations of voice sound information of the user
to electrical signals; a wireless linkage operatively connecting
the voice sound transmitting unit with the computer network; a
voice recognition software engine stored on the computer network
and adapted to receive and process the voice sound information to
populate the digital record with alphanumeric strings; and wherein
the earpiece is sized and shaped so as not to occlude the external
auditory canal of a user.
14. The device of claim 13 wherein the wireless linkage includes a
radio frequency transmitter operatively connected to the earpiece
and a radio frequency receiver operatively connected to the
computer network.
15. The device of claim 13 wherein the earpiece includes a bone
conduction sensor and an air conduction sensor, the bone conduction
sensor being adapted to contact a portion of the external auditory
canal to convert bone vibrations of voice sound information to
electrical signals and the air conduction sensor being adapted to
convert air vibrations of the voice sound information in the
external auditory canal to electrical signals.
16. The device of claim 15 wherein the voice sound transmitting
unit includes a speech processor operatively connected with the
earpiece, the speech processor being adapted to receive the
electrical signals from the bone conduction sensor and the air
conduction sensor and produce a voice sound signal.
17. The device of claim 16 wherein the speech processor obtains a
first sample of the electrical signals from the bone conduction
sensor and a second sample of the electrical signals from the air
conduction sensor and compares the first and second samples to
capture the voice sound information of the user and filter
noise.
18. The device of claim 13 wherein the voice sound transmitting
unit further comprising a speaker and a receiver, the speaker
operatively connected to the transmitter and being adapted to
reside within the external auditory canal of the user.
19. A method of entering voice sound information into a digital
record stored on a computer, the method comprising: providing a
voice sound transmitting unit having an earpiece adapted to be
inserted into the external auditory canal of a user to convert bone
conductive voice vibrations of voice sound information of the user
to electrical signals; wherein the earpiece is sized and shaped so
as not to occlude the external auditory canal of a user; providing
a wireless linkage operatively connecting the voice sound
transmitting unit with the computer; providing a voice recognition
software engine operatively connected with the computer and adapted
to receive and process the voice sound information to populate the
digital record with alphanumeric strings; selecting the digital
record on the computer; uttering the voice sound information;
transmitting the voice sound information from the voice sound
transmitter via the wireless linkage; processing the voice sound
information using the voice recognition software engine; and
populating the digital record selected with the voice sound
information.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a voice sound transmitting
and receiving apparatus and system. More particularly, though not
exclusively, the present invention relates to a voice sound
transmitting unit using bone conduction and air conduction to
obtain a pure voice sound signal for transmission minimizing
interference from the surrounding sound environment.
[0003] 2. Problems in the Art
[0004] Voice sound transmitting and receiving devices are known in
the art. However, such devices are limited by the quality of voice
signal they are capable of capturing and transmitting. For example,
prior art air microphones tend to pick up ambient noise and
transmit the same. This is particularly problematic in
communications applications that require a pure, unadulterated
voice signal. For communications systems to more effectively
utilize voice sound as a means of transmitting information, the
prior art voice sound transmitting and receiving devices must be
capable of producing a much purer voice signal.
[0005] One specific communications application area that relies
upon a clear voice signal is voice recognition technology. Today,
voice recognition software engines are gaining popularity. Such
computer software enables a user to, among other things, enter
information into a digital record or file directly through speech,
obviating the need for a keyboard and other input device. Voice
recognition offers numerous advantages when employed as a means of
data entry in computer information systems. As but one example,
many health care professionals presently dictate patient
information onto magnetic tapes that are later transcribed by a
third party for entry into a medical records system. A system that
could utilize existing voice recognition technology to enter such
information into digital records would save time and money. The
same hold true for the plethora of other applications that are not
presently using voice as a means of data input and
communication.
[0006] A problem that must be overcome to effectively implement an
information or communications system using voice sound is the
relative poor quality of voice signal obtained through prior art
voice sound transmitting and receiving devices. The efficacy of
voice recognition software engines depends upon the quality of the
voice signal received. Using prior art air microphones and bone
conduction devices often results in data entry errors. Although
bone conduction sensors deliver a fairly pure signal, it is
generally not the strongest for transmission. An air conduction
sensor, on the other hand, will receive a much stronger signal, but
alone is not suitable for distinguishing the spoken speech from the
multitude of other sounds in the environment. Thus, there is a need
in the art for an improved voice sound transmitting unit that is
capable of capturing and transmitting a purer and stronger voice
signal.
[0007] There are also problems in the art concerning the comfort
and aesthetic appeal of voice sound transmitting and receiving
devices. For example, prior art bone conduction pick up devices,
such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,295,193 and 4,150,262
to Ono are designed with earpieces that totally obstruct the
external auditory canal. Not only are such devices uncomfortable
for the user to wear, but they also block air vibrations from
entering the auditory canal. In the health care example cited
previously, such a device would preclude the user from using a
stethoscope while wearing the device. Further, such devices are
less aesthetically pleasing to the user. There is therefore also a
need in the art for an improved voice sound transmitting unit that
does not occlude the external auditory canal, is comfortable to
wear for extended periods of time, and is aesthetically pleasing to
the user.
Features of the Invention
[0008] A general feature of the present invention is the provision
of an improved voice sound transmitting and receiving unit which
overcomes the problems found in the prior art.
[0009] A further feature of the present invention is the provision
of a improved voice sound transmitting and receiving unit that
captures and transmits a pure voice signal from the user.
[0010] A further feature of the present invention is the provision
of an improved voice sound transmitting and receiving unit that
utilizes both bone conduction and air conduction to transmit an
unadulterated voice signal from the user.
[0011] A still further feature of the present invention is the
provision of an improved voice sound transmitting and receiving
unit that is capable for use in wireless communications
applications.
[0012] A further feature of the present invention is the provision
of an improved voice sound transmitting and receiving unit that is
comfortable to wear and does not occlude or obstruct the external
auditory canal of the user.
[0013] A further feature of the present invention is the provision
of a voice sound transmitting and receiving unit that permits
hands-free communication over a wired or wireless communications
linkage.
[0014] A further feature of the present invention is the provision
of a voice sound transmitting and receiving unit that is
aesthetically pleasing to the user.
[0015] A still further feature of the present invention is the
provision of an improved device for entering voice sound
information into a digital record stored on a computer.
[0016] A further feature of the present invention is the provision
of a device for entering voice sound information into a digital
record stored on a computer using a wireless linkage between the
voice sound transmitter and the computer.
[0017] And a still further feature of the present invention is the
provision of an improved method for entering voice sound
information into a digital record stored on a computer.
[0018] These as well as other features and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent from the following
specifications and claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The voice sound transmitting unit of the present invention
includes an earpiece that is adapted for insertion into the
external auditory canal of a user, the earpiece having both a bone
conduction sensor and an air conduction sensor. The bone conduction
sensor is adapted to contact a portion of the external auditory
canal to convert bone vibrations of voice sound information into
electrical signals. The air conduction sensor resides within the
auditory canal and converts air vibrations of the voice sound
information into electrical signals. The voice sound transmitting
unit also includes a speech processor and transmitter.
[0020] In its preferred form, the speech processor samples the
output from the bone conduction sensor and the air conduction
sensor. In comparing the sampled output, the speech processor is
able to filter noise and select the a pure voice sound signal for
transmission. The transmission of the voice sound signal may be
through a wireless linkage. In addition, the bone conduction sensor
and the air conduction sensor are preferably designed so as not to
occlude the external auditory canal. And the voice sound
transmitting unit may also be equipped with a speaker and receiver
to enable two-way communication.
[0021] The present invention also includes a device for entering
voice sound information into a digital record stored on computer or
computer network. The device includes a voice sound transmitting
unit using bone conduction, an interface between the voice sound
transmitting unit and the computer or computer network, and a voice
recognition software engine adapted to receive and process the
voice sound information and convert it into alphanumeric strings to
populate the appropriate digital record. The interface is
preferably a wireless linkage, such as a radio frequency
transmission system.
[0022] Finally, the present invention also includes a method of
entering voice sound information into a digital record or field
stored on a computer or computer system. The method includes
selecting the digital record or field on the computer, transmitting
voice sound information of the user via a wireless linkage,
processing the information using a voice recognition software
engine, and populating the digital record or field selected with
the voice sound information.
[0023] It should be understood that the present invention has
wide-ranging applications, not specifically limited to the examples
disclosed in this specification. By way of example only, the
present invention may be used in data entry, cellular telephone and
live music applications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the voice sound transmitting
unit of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the voice sound
transmitting unit of FIG. 1 taken through the external auditory
canal of the user.
[0026] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the voice sound transmitting
unit of FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a communications system using the
voice sound transmitting unit of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the preferred method for using the
voice sound transmitting unit to enter data into a digital record
or field.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0029] The present invention will be described as it applies to its
preferred embodiment. It is not intended that the present invention
be limited to the described embodiment. It is intended that the
invention cover all modifications and alternatives which may be
included within the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0030] Now referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows the voice sound
transmitting unit 10 of the present invention. The voice sound
transmitting unit 10 includes an earpiece 12 having a bone
conduction sensor 14 and an air conduction sensor or microphone 16.
A casing 18 is also provided, having an ear attachment portion 20
and a fitting portion 22 that connects the ear attachment portion
20 with the bone conduction sensor 14 and the air conduction sensor
16. The ear attachment portion 20 is contoured to fit over and
behind the upper ear lobe 24 of the user and is preferably made of
a lightweight aluminum or plastic material. It can be appreciated
that the primary purpose of the ear attachment portion 20 is to
secure the voice sound transmitting unit 10 in proper position. The
fitting portion 22 is integral with~the ear attachment portion 20
and is reinforced with a flexible wire (not shown) so that the
voice sound transmitting unit 10 may be adapted to fit the user and
maintain the bone conduction sensor 14 and the air conduction
sensor 16 in their proper positions within the external auditory
canal 28 of the user.
[0031] As best shown in FIG. 2, the voice sound transmitting unit
should be fit so that the bone conduction sensor 14 is in contact
with a portion of the external auditory canal 28. It is preferred
that the bone conduction sensor 14 rest against the posterior
superior wall of the external auditory canal 28, with the fitting
portion 22 shaped to bias the bone conduction sensor 14 into
position. Fitting the device and calibrations may be performed by
the user or with the assistance of a physician or an
audiologist/audiology technician.
[0032] The bone conduction sensor 14 is of standard construction
and may be obtained from various hearing aid manufactures,
including ReSound, Oticon and others. Note that the bone conduction
sensor 14 may be of the acceleration type and utilize a
piezoelectric pick-up. Other pick-ups that can be used with the
present invention, include, but are not limited to, those of the
magnetic type, electret condenser type, IC type, and semi-conductor
type. All are well-known in the art.
[0033] The earpiece 12 is formed so that the bone conduction sensor
14 may be inserted into the external auditory canal 28 of the user
and contact against the posterior superior wall 26 of the canal.
The bone conduction sensor 14 is intended to pick up, as the voice
signals, the vibrations of the upper wall of the external auditory
canal 28 at the time of uttering the voice sounds. When the user
utters voice sounds, these sounds reach the mastoid bones. These
sound vibrations in the external auditory canal portion in contact
with the bone sensor 14 are then processed.
[0034] In addition to the bone conduction sensor 14, the earpiece
12 also includes an air conduction sensor or microphone 16. Like
the bone conduction sensor 14, the air conduction sensor 16 is of
standard construction and may be obtained from various
manufactures, such as ReSound and Oticon with numerous air
microphones which would suffice.
[0035] A resilient member (not shown) is preferably positioned
between the air conduction sensor 14 and the bone conduction sensor
14 in such a manner that the external sound collected by the air
conduction sensor 16 will not be transmitted to the bone conduction
sensor 16.
[0036] A circuit portion transmits the electrical signals from both
the-bone conduction sensor 14 and the air conduction sensor 16 to a
speech processor 36. The bone conduction sensor 16 and the air
conduction sensor 18 are both tuned to receive frequencies within
the range of audible human speech, approximately 50 to 8000
Hertz.
[0037] The speech processor 36 is of a conventional construction
used in many hearing aids and employs a digital processing scheme
to package the voice signal for transmission across a wireless
linkage. The speech processor 36 will be programmed to extract
similarities from air and bone transmission, comparing the
similarities in signal and then transmitting via a wireless linkage
to a computer or other receiving device. The speech processor 36
also filters out through band pass filters sounds outside the
frequency of normal human speech.
[0038] The speech processor 36 samples a portion of the electrical
signals of voice sound information from the bone conduction sensor
14 and a portion of the electrical signals of voice sound
information from the air conduction sensor 16. The speech processor
36 then compares the samples and selects the common voice signal.
This common voice signal increases the likelihood that ambient and
environmental interference will be minimized.
[0039] The speech processor 36 then transmits the selected voice
signal to a transmitter 40. The transmitter 40 is preferably a
wireless radio frequency transmitter well known in the art that
includes a multi-directional antenna 42 (see FIG. 1). Examples are
Proxim Corporation's RangeLan 2 or Breezecom radio transmission
systems.
[0040] FIG. 3 shows in block diagram form the different components
of the voice sound transmitting unit 10. It should be understood
that the voice sound transmitting unit 10 as shown and previously
described can also be easily modified to include a receiver 44 and
speaker 46 to enable two-way communication.
[0041] It can be appreciated that the voice sound transmitting unit
10 of the present invention can be used in a multitude of different
communications applications with different linkages. Such
applications include, but are by no means limited to, transmitting
voice sound information in Internet, Intranet, hard-wired local
area network (LAN), wireless LAN, and telecommunications
applications. In short, the voice sound transmitting unit 10 may be
easily adapted for use in any computerized communications system to
transmit voice sound information.
[0042] Of particular interest is the use of the voice sound
transmitting unit 10 to enter voice sound information into a
digital record stored on a computer. FIG. 4 is a diagram, showing
the voice sound transmitting unit 10 as part of a larger wireless
LAN 48 used for information systems processing. A wireless LAN,
well known in the art, is a flexible data communications system
generally implemented as an extension to, or as an alternative for,
a wired LAN. Using radio frequency technology, wireless LANs
transmit and receive data over the air, minimizing the need for
wired connections. Thus, wireless LANs combine data connectivity
with user mobility. Wireless LANs, such as those available from
Proxim, Corp. and Breezecom perform well in applications using the
voice sound transmitting unit 10.
[0043] A wireless LAN 48 is particularly well suited for use with a
medical records information system. Health care professionals may
use wireless workstations to enter patient information that is
transmitted to a central server 50. Much of the patient information
may be easily entered using a PEN based graphical user interface,
wherein the user has a stylus to enter hand written information and
also click push buttons, radio buttons, list boxes, etc. However,
health care professionals will often want to dictate a portion of
the patient information. With the systems available in the prior
art, the health care professional must dictate onto a magnetic tape
which is later transcribed by another individual and entered into
the medical records system. The voice sound transmitting unit 10 of
the present invention enables the user to populate digital records
or fields of a database in real time.
[0044] FIG. 5 is a flowchart that illustrates how a user of the
voice sound transmitting unit 10 of the present invention could
enter data into a digital record. The user first selects on the
wireless workstation 52 the field or record that is to be populated
with alphanumeric strings. Next, the user activates the voice mode
which sends a signal activating the voice sound transmitting unit
10. The user then utters the information for entry into the record.
The voice signal is transmitted via the wireless linkage to a
receiver 54 operatively connected to a workstation on the LAN 48
that has loaded a voice recognition software engine. Voice
recognition software engines currently available include the Dragon
Dictate from Dragon Systems and ViaVoice Profession provided by the
IBM Corporation; respectively. The voice recognition software
engine 56 receives and processes the voice signal, converting it
into alphanumeric strings. Finally, a computer program populates
the selected digital record with the alphanumeric string. Once the
selected record has been populated on the server 50, the
corresponding record or field on the user's workstation 52 may be
updated. The user can then make any necessary corrections or defer
any revisions until a later time. What is critical to the system is
that the voice sound transmitting unit 10 deliver a high quality,
pure voice signal for the voice recognition software engine to
process.
[0045] It should be understood that the term "record" includes
field, database or file.
[0046] From the foregoing, it can be seen that the present
invention accomplishes at least all of its stated objectives.
* * * * *